Lawn Substitutes for Warm Regions
Groundcovers make excellent lawn alternative plants for the south and they don’t need as much maintenance. Environmentally, alternative plants make sense because they don’t need as much water or chemical treatment as lawn grass. Depending on the plant you choose, they can also serve as wildlife habitat. On the other hand, a dense lawn is a clean air factory, converting much more air than most of the alternatives. In addition, turf grass helps prevent storm runoff by absorbing excess water and it helps with erosion control. One downside to using groundcovers instead of grass is that they don’t handle foot traffic well. If you have children that play in the yard, you might like to have a turf grass lawn that can stand up to hard play. Here are some good groundcover choices for warm areas:
Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum)- This little ornamental grass is less than an inch (2.5 cm.) tall and features blue flowers that last throughout winter and early spring in warm climates. Blue-eyed grass likes full sun and needs supplemental water until established. It tolerates drought once it takes hold in an area. Liriope (Liriope muscari)- Pay attention to the specifications for the variety of liriope you choose. Some can grow up to 18 inches (46 cm.) tall, which most people will find too high for a lawn. This grass-like member of the lily family might need occasional irrigation during dry periods, and you’ll need to mow it down at the end of the season to remove ratty-looking foliage. Thyme (Thymus spp.)- You can’t beat thyme for herbal fragrance and drought tolerance, but it is one of the more expensive groundcovers. It needs a sunny location with well-drained soil. You’ll have to keep it watered and weeded at first, but once it fills in, it is practically carefree. Some varieties tolerate hot summers better than others. Red creeping thyme is a good choice for southern gardens. Mazus (Mazus reptans)- This is an excellent choice for shady spots, and it tolerates light foot traffic. Once established, mazus forms a dense green carpet with lavender flowers that bloom in spring and last through summer. In warm climates mazus is evergreen and it outcompetes weeds.
Other Alternative Lawn Ideas in Warm Climates
You can also use gravel or stones as lawn substitutes for warm regions. It’s a good idea to lay sturdy landscape fabric under the gravel to keep them from working their way deep into the soil. Rocky soil is difficult to use as garden or lawn space if your landscape plans change later on. Organic mulch is an excellent alternative to grass under shade trees. Grass grows poorly in the shade, but a thick layer of mulch looks natural. Rake it smooth and level so you can place lawn furniture or a swing under the tree.
